Hey, new to the site. I looked thru the forums for some existing help, no luck... anyway:
A few days ago, was driving home from work (note it had been raining for a good... 3 days) when I noticed all my gauges (gas, temp, speed, tach) all dropped to zero, but the car was still running... then, my ABS light, brake light (as if e-brake was up), and trac off light came on. Tried reseting computer by disconnecting battery for 15min, no luck. Next day same thing, then the 'theft system' and service lights came on. Been like that for a few days now, with occasional airbag lights, etc. coming on. When I hit brakes, turn on vents, use rear defogger, all lights, interior, low beams, and high beams dim. I only see the dash indicator lights at night (when lights are on), to me it seems because too much power is being used. Got an alternator & batt check, both are fine. Disconnected my amp, no change. Tonight I noticed it wouldn't let me shift out of park, it took a few tries until the shifter unlocked. Also noticed tonight, that when I used my rear defogger and hit the brakes, a nice electrical type whine came out from the speakers. Very confused. Also very poor, so anyone who can offer help, I appreciate it. Where can I bring it for free diagnostics? Is that even possible? GAH!! Thanks in advance to anyone.
F.Y.I. It is a 2002 Cavalier, automatic, no power anything, 90k miles, 2.2 SFI... anything else you need to know, will get it for you. Stock CD player, pyramid royal red 1000w amp, no subs. Everything else is stock.
Thanks again.
If you didnt actually take the alternator off to have it checked i think i would consider doing that. Especially depending on where u had it check at.......If its at advance auto parts take it off and take it to them so they can actually put it under a load and check it. My car did that same thing and it was the alternator, every light on the dash came on, i thought it was going to deploy the airbags and everything, if nothing else check your Power wire for your stereo to make sure its not grounding out against your frame anywhere.
<img src="http://www.j-body.org/registry/xtremecavy/cavalier.jpg">
OK, didn't have the alternator out of the car, will consider doing that. The check was done at advance auto, go figure. Thanks for the help!
sounds like what mine's doin but mine won't even stay runnin anymore so i'm tryin to reset the pass-lock code
ahhh i think im having this same problem.. it seems like it only does it on cold starts or when putting the car into reverse or drive.. basically like all power cuts off then cuts back on causing the gauges to go whack including the cd player. im going crazy trying to figure out the problem. my connection to the starter was loose so i tightened that but it didnt seem to fix the problem. bought a new battery and terminals and still no luck. i would really like to figure this out....
I had a similar problem with gauges going wild and warning light illuminating then going out. For me, it was the ground wire that connects to the battery tray. Try running another ground wire from the negative terminal of the battery to the grounding bolt on the engine block.
Good Luck.
Sounds like grounds. I know when I had faulty grounds my instrument panel lit up like a christmas tree and the gauges went nuts. Make sure your grounds are good. The battery must be tied to the frame with a good connection, the starter ground is not enough. Start the engine and measure the voltage between the body of the car and the + terminal on the battery. Should be 13-14v. If not, you've got a grounding problem.
2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd
yup sounds like a ground issue to me also
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Hey everybody, thanks again! It turned out to be a ground issue after all. A few weeks ago I repaired my windshield washer hose, which runs right past the battery... well, when I removed the battery to get at it, I must not have tightened that ground bolt down enough, and my assumption is it vibrated loose on me. I took it out, cleaned things up a little, tightened it down again, and everything seems A-OK! Just wanted to say thanks again, I really appreciate it!
